Applications due April 15, 2021

Job Description:

The New York State Urban Forestry Council (NYSUFC) is a 501(c)3 organized formally in 1999 to advise and assist the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in executing its urban and community forestry program. The mission of the NYSUFC is to engage in public, private, and volunteer partnerships to do planting, management, and education leading to robust urban and community forests throughout New York State.

Statement of Intent:

The NYSUFC strives to be a leader in equitable urban forestry by supporting and promoting the expertise and leadership of people who have been historically marginalized in the field of urban forestry and have the most at stake in environmental injustice, including Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

The NYSUFC aims to be an organization that is inclusive of and centers marginalized people and communities through its internal structure, funding allocation, messaging, and programs for the health of our urban forests and communities.

Objective of the Position:
The NYSUFC seeks a part-time Equity & Justice Coordinator to develop, champion, and roll out a nascent Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy. Under the leadership and expertise of the Equity & Justice Coordinator, our ultimate goal is to integrate equity into every aspect of our work, including membership, Board participation, programs, funding and grant allocation, education, and the annual New York ReLeaf Conference. The Equity & Justice Coordinator will work closely with our volunteer Equity & Justice Committee to develop proposals for concrete changes to the way we operate internally and externally, starting with small initiatives and building on successes.

Role and Responsibilities:
● Assess our current equity-driven efforts, identify gaps and opportunities, set goals and metrics of success, and communicate a plan of change.
● Develop new policies, practices, and projects informed by your expertise.
● Lead a team of volunteer Board Members representing the geographical regions of New York State in leveraging their skills, networks, and strengths.
● Monitor and Report to the Executive Committee on short-term successes for long-term sustainable outcomes.

Areas of Focus:

Outward-facing Initiatives
● Leveraging Financial and Social Capital:
○ Assess our current grant requirements, scholarship programs, and channels of influence to increase our impact.
○ Research and recommend new collaborations in each region of New York State, with the assistance of the Equity & Justice Committee.

● Equity-Driven Annual Conference:
○ Advise the conference planners on ways to assure that the annual NY ReLeaf Conference has inclusive participation and equity-driven programming.
○ Identify and pursue potential relevant speakers and workshops for the NY ReLeaf Conference.

● Leadership Support:
○ Identify and reach out to potential partners to create a state-wide network of mentoring and career support for people typically marginalized in the field of urban forestry, including Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color.
○ Coordinate mentorship to young people interested in exploring careers in urban forestry.

● Communications Platform:
○ Collaborate with our editor to amplify the visibility and vision of underrepresented people in urban forestry through our social media presence and other means of communication.

Internal Initiatives
● Work with the Equity & Justice Committee to create a meaningful equity component to the NYSUFC Strategic Plan.
● Advise on and assist in the recruitment and retention of new Board members and Council members that represent the diverse identities of New York State’s urban and community forestry community, including Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color.
● Assess the need for internal anti-racism and anti-bias training for our Board and members so that we can be better allies.

Ideal Background:
● A deep understanding of institutional barriers that marginalize historically underrepresented groups, particularly pertaining to environmental justice and environmental disparity.
● Proven leadership in equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and/or environmental justice.
● Experience in program development, building community partnerships, volunteer management, and outreach.
● Demonstrated skill in facilitating conversations around equity and intersectional analysis.
● An understanding of and experience working within or adjacent to urban and community forestry.

Compensation:
This is a part-time contractor position, averaging 20 hrs/month, depending on workflow. There is designated funding for a minimum of one year and a commitment to seek additional funding beyond two years, as well as an intention to increase the position hours if funding becomes available.

All work is done remotely at this time due to Covid-19. When safe travel resumes, travel to the annual NY ReLeaf Conference will be compensated. Applicant need not live in New York State but must be a U.S. Citizen.

BIPOC people, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

References:
References should be able to attest to and provide examples of the applicant’s ability to:
*Work independently and collaboratively with others from diverse backgrounds.
*Set goals and timelines in an organized fashion.
*Provide innovative and informed suggestions and feedback.
*Demonstrate a commitment to community building.
*Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and environmental justice.

Please send brief cover letter, one-page resume, and list of three references by April 15, 2021 to Liana Gooding, NYSUFC Executive Secretary, at [email protected].